Torbay Hospital Radio pays tribute to Bob ‘Marldon Man’ Thorp

In memory of Bob “Marldon Man” Thorp

It is with profound sadness that Torbay Hospital Radio (THR) announce the passing of one of their valued and much loved volunteers Bob Thorp.

Bob was affectionately known by fellow members of THR and listeners as “Marldon Man”.

He co-hosted the Monday Night Request Show with Stephanie Teece for over 10 years, entertaining listeners with his quick witted sense of humour.

Over the years, as well as a presenter, Bob was a keen ward visitor at Torbay Hospital to take requests from patients and staff. Prior to COVID he was also a mealtime companion volunteer at Torbay Hospital, helping patients to eat their meals or just offering company.

Bob was a caring individual who was deeply passionate about providing entertainment to patients in hospital. He would often refer to being a presenter and volunteer at THR as a privilege and that he felt very honoured to be in a position to offer a little light relief to people who were in hospital. In every show he would share inspirational words of encouragement to patients and words of gratitude to all the staff in the NHS.

Bob’s humour was second to none and he would make it his mission to make everyone around him smile and laugh. He loved receiving messages and requests from listeners and would hope to challenge them with his quizlike “brain burners” each week.

Some of Bob’s favourite songs he would play were Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum, Lady in Red by Chris de Burgh, The Windmills of your Mind by Noel Harrison, Memories sung by Susan Boyle or Elaine Paige, Candle in the Wind by Elton John, You Raise Me Up sung by Josh Groban and Dancing Queen by Abba!

Our deepest condolences go out to Bob’s wife Eileen, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Every week Bob would share stories of love and pride in all of them. We would all hope to be spoken about by our loved ones in the way that Bob would speak of his lovely wife Eileen.

Bob would always end the show with the same words which it feels appropriate to end this tribute with to him. So to you Bob, goodnight and God bless.